Pungsan Dog Breed

Below are the details and facts for the Pungsan dog breed.

This breed is a bit larger than its South Korean neighbor the Jindo Dog. They are considered large size dogs often reaching up to 90 pounds. Unfortunately, there is little information available about this breed so there is no set standard. Individuals have been documents to weigh anywhere from around 40 pounds upwards to 90 pounds. Current statistics state these dogs are around 22 inches at the shoulders.

This breed is loyal and protective towards the owner and family; they will want to bond with the owner and typically will desire to be indoors where they are. These dogs are also independent and will likely ignore strangers unless they feel threatened, at which point they will bark and if necessary become aggressive. This breed is only recommended for single pet households as it is both territorial and has a high prey drive.

Pungsans have moderate to high maintenance requirements. Brushing a couple times per week is recommended except during shedding season when this becomes a daily duty. Frequent vacuuming will likely be required during this time. Two hours of daily exercise will be necessary and can be met with a combination of long daily walks, outdoor playtime in a fenced yard, and indoor toys and games. Training is possible but will require a patient yet dominant owner that can firmly establish themselves as the alpha. Refreshing will consistently need to take place for this breed.

The Pungsan is considered the national dog of North Korea and are so named for their originating in the northern area of Pungsan. They were bred as hunting dogs to handle large game; stories still circulate that many of these dogs were capable of fending of tigers. In North Korea members of this breed are known to be loyal and cunning. This breed is a spitz-type dog that is said to have descended from the same ancestors as Siberian Laika dogs. It is assumed the ancient people of the Baiku Mountains domesticated these dogs during the Neolithic era and to this day Pungsans retain many wolf-like characteristics. During World War II Japanese soldiers occupying North Korean lands killed Korean dogs to make fur coats to keep them warm in the freezing temperatures. Pungsans were designated a National Treasure in 1942 and were supposedly exempt from this brutality but informations circulates that they too may been butchered. Again this breed faced near extinction during the Korean War. The end of war saw another effort to protect and revive the breed. Korean animal rights associations have been established to enforce breed protection however, many dog meat operations still exist as well as the general breeding conditions of these dogs remain very low. In 2001, North Korean Pungsans and South Korean Jindos were bred to represent a unification of the two countries.

Overall, Pungsans are thick, rectangular in proportion, and with strong limbs. They appear strong and hardy, well suited for cold weather. This breed has a thick creamy to white double coat that keeps it warm during wintery mountain weather. The undercoat is thick and fine while the outer coat is longer and coarse. The head is wide and triangular with a black nose and dark almond-shaped eyes that are relatively close together. The ears of this breed are pricked or pointed. Pungsan dogs have a fluffy tail that curls over their back.

This breed is likely to chew as a puppy and may be difficult to house break, but if given toys and proper training, this habit can be curbed. They are unlikely to bark unless necessary, which means they feel their territory has been invaded or their owner needs to be alerted. Pungsan Dogs are intelligent and can be trained but need an owner that commands respect and is capable of firm direction, as these dogs tend to have an alpha personality.

Pungsans are loyal companions or hunting partners to their owners. Strangers will find these dogs reserved and uncaring as one of their primary traits is independence; if they feel their space is threatened these dogs may attack. Other pets are not recommended for owners of this breed as they have a high prey drive and are territorial towards other dogs. They are gentle towards children if socialized and trained at the appropriate age.

Pungsans will likely live to be 12-15 years. Health issues for the breed include typical large dog problems such as bloat, hip and elbow dysplasia and obesity. They are susceptible to certain cancers. Special attention should be given to cleaning the ears as ear infections are likely within this breed.